Off and running for Colonie board

continued  Green said he thinks his reputation in the community as a lawyer has contributed to the outpouring of support.

“All donors that have donated are existing clients that I do a significant amount of work with and are just very proud of me. They know I can do a great job because I’m doing a great job for them,” said Green.

He said his first task should he secure a spot on the board would be to cross partisan lines.

“One of my issues is that we should not have one party line rule and the current administration is all Democrats … so I want to open up the lines of communication between the parties,” said Green.

In comparison, current board member and Green’s opposition Haak has not raised more than $1,000 to date.

An “in lieu of statement” was filed by Haak. A report doesn’t have to be filed if the candidate’s bank account does not exceed $1,000.

On Wednesday, July 25, Haak reached out to supporters on his Facebook campaign page.

“Please, friends, if I have done something to help you in the past and you believe in me and the principles I stand for … please send a donation,” wrote Haak.

Haak is the first openly gay elected official in the Town of Colonie and has been involved in government for 25 years. He touted his experience with finances, saying it would give him a “leg up” when drafting a balanced budget and maintaining the town’s fiscal stability.

Incumbent Rowley lead his opponent, Gomez, with a total of $6,215 banked. A large chunk of that— $5,615—came from individual donations. Records show that Friends of Paula Mahan, the town supervisor’s campaign, wrote a $500 check.

Gomez lags slightly behind, with an even $5,000 raised. New to politics, Gomez said his experience running his own business would be an asset to the town.